Struggling Wasps are lurching into a mini crisis after selfdestructing against Saints.

Three successive defeats have left the Guinness Premiership champs resembling chumps with just two bonus points to show.

Wasps came up against a hungry, eager and determined Northampton side freshly back in the top flight after their short fall from grace.

And they were sent packing with tails between legs and another headache.

Director of rugby Ian McGeechan and head coach Shaun Edwards certainly have a massive task on their hands to turn the tide.

Morale and confidence is not what it should be and neither is the performance of so many players who still seem to be basking in the glory of last May's title win.

Lawrence Dallaglio's departure appears to have affected them more than many feared - and the several changes to the side beaten by Worcester made no difference.

Edwards said: "At the moment we are self-destructing. We need to turn things round and get a win quickly." Not that Saints cared a jot. They have now won two of their three games back in the Premiership and really do look like a side set to make an impact.

Wasps made a disastrous start as Josh Lewsey woes continued. The England full-back's kick was charged down by an alert Bruce Reihana who raced through to grab the opening try and added the conversion.

Wasps bounced back and Dave Walder's penalty was followed by Dominic Waldouck finishing off a fine exchange down the right to touch down. Walder then kicked his second penalty for an 11-7 lead.

Reihana converted a Chris Ashton try but Walder's third penalty on the stroke of half-time pulled Wasps level.

Walder's two penalties gave Wasps a 20-17 lead but then came the crucial try as Sean Lamont went over to cap his 50th appearance for Saints.